How to Ask for a Raise (and Step Out of Your Comfort Zone)

Everyone wants a raise and/or promotion. But nobody wants to have to ask for it. In an ideal world, your boss swoops in and says “You are amazing … here is more money and a better title!” But let’s face it – it rarely happens this way. If you want a raise, you have to ask for it. Asking for a raise is a subtle, yet necessary, sales pitch.

Here are 7 helpful hints on how to ask for – and get – that raise:

1. Do your homework first. Before you get stuck on a number, gather as much info as you can. Check out Glassdoor.com for salary comparisons in your fields. Ask your alma mater’s alumni career office if they track graduates’ salaries by industry. Most importantly, reach out to colleagues in your field and do some background detective work.

2. Make a case for yourself. As with any sales pitch, you need to convince the “buyer” that your “product” is worth more than they are currently paying. Prepare a one page outline of your significant contributions over the past few months. How have you added value to the company and the team? Practice with a friend. Would you give yourself a raise?

3. Give a glimpse into how you will add value next year. Just as important as a look backwards in time, prepare a sheet that outlines future projects you would like to take on and ideas you have for the next few months. Convince your boss that you are worth investing in because you will help take the team to the next level.

4. Be confident and remove hesitancy from your ask. Let’s address the elephant in the room. Do men and women ask for raises differently? Does this account for the gender pay imbalance? Another topic for another blog. However, it may be helpful to incorporate styles that are outside your comfort zone. Be confident, firm, and upbeat, yet gracious. Don’t use language that makes you look like you aren’t really sure you deserve a raise.

Instead of:

 “I think it’s time that we talk about a raise for me, if that’s alright with you.” 

Try:

 “I am excited to talk to you about my review and proposed raise.”

Even this little tweak sets the stage for the raise becoming a done deal.

5. Don’t whine. Sounding entitled is never productive.

6. Be prepared to talk turkey. Your boss may ask you for a specific target number. If possible, give a range – even if you aren’t asked for one.

7. Keep it positive. Be careful not to box yourself in. Are you willing to play hardball to get the raise and create animosity if you don’t get what you want? After all, this is your workplace and your colleagues. Yes, the raise discussion is a negotiation. However, once the conversation is over, you are back to being on the same team.